Newborn screening

Each year, nearly all of the approximately 4 million babies born in the United States are checked for certain medical conditions soon after birth. This is called newborn screening. Newborn screening includes a blood test for several different disorders, hearing screening, and, in some states or hospitals, screening for critical congenital heart defects. Newborns are screened, even if they look healthy, because some medical conditions may not be apparent at birth and may not cause problems until after the first few days or weeks of life. Finding these conditions soon after birth can help prevent some serious problems, such as brain damage, organ damage, and even death.